Popcorn Sutton was an American moonshiner and bootlegger known for his expertise in producing homemade whiskey. His legacy remains strong in American folklore, particularly in Appalachia. Many people are curious about his life, career, and financial standing.
In this article, we will explore Popcorn Sutton’s net worth, his early life, his family background, his physical appearance, movies he was featured in, and other aspects of his life.
Quick Bio: Popcorn Sutton Net Worth
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Marvin “Popcorn” Sutton |
| Date of Birth | October 5, 1946 |
| Place of Birth | Maggie Valley, North Carolina, USA |
| Date of Death | March 16, 2009 |
| Age at Death | 62 years old |
| Nationality | American |
| Occupation | Moonshiner, Author, TV Personality |
| Spouse | Pam Sutton |
| Children | Not widely documented |
| Famous For | Illegal moonshine production, documentaries, and books |
Early Life and Background
Popcorn Sutton was born on October 5, 1946, in Maggie Valley, North Carolina. He was raised in the Appalachian region, a place deeply associated with moonshining culture. His ancestors had a history of distilling whiskey, and Sutton followed in their footsteps.
Growing up in a rural environment, Sutton was exposed to the traditional craft of moonshining from an early age. He quickly learned the art of making whiskey using time-tested techniques passed down through generations.
Despite his illegal activities, he became a cultural icon for his rebellious spirit and commitment to preserving the art of homemade whiskey production.
Age and Physical Appearance
At the time of his death in 2009, Popcorn Sutton was 62 years old. He was known for his distinctive mountain-man appearance:
- Height: Around 5 feet 7 inches (170 cm)
- Weight: Approximately 150 lbs (68 kg)
- Hair Color: Gray
- Eye Color: Blue
- Other Features: Long beard, often seen wearing overalls and a hat
His rugged appearance made him a recognizable figure in documentaries and media coverage related to moonshining.
Education
There is little information available regarding Popcorn Sutton’s formal education. He likely attended a local school in North Carolina, but his primary education came from hands-on experience in the art of moonshining.
Instead of pursuing higher education, Sutton chose to dedicate his life to perfecting his craft as a bootlegger.
Popcorn Sutton Net Worth
At the time of his passing, Popcorn Sutton’s net worth was estimated to be between $500,000 and $1 million.
Sources of Income
Despite operating in an illegal industry, Sutton made money through several ventures:
- Moonshine Sales – His primary source of income was producing and selling homemade whiskey.
- Books – He authored the book “Me and My Likker”, which detailed his life as a moonshiner.
- Documentaries – He appeared in various documentaries about moonshining, including “The Last One”.
- Merchandise and Media – His growing popularity led to the sale of DVDs and branded memorabilia.
Even after his death, his name and legacy continue to generate revenue through legal moonshine brands and documentaries inspired by his work.
Who Is Popcorn Sutton?
Popcorn Sutton was a legendary moonshiner, known for his defiance of federal liquor laws and his deep-rooted Appalachian heritage. He earned his nickname “Popcorn” after once attacking a faulty popcorn vending machine with a pool cue.
His fame grew when he started appearing in documentaries and reality TV shows that explored the world of illegal liquor production. He became a symbol of Appalachian moonshining culture, admired for his independent spirit and storytelling ability.
His Father and Mother
Popcorn Sutton came from a long line of moonshiners. While details about his parents remain limited, it is known that his family had a strong history of whiskey-making in North Carolina.
His father and grandfather likely introduced him to the trade at a young age, helping him develop his skills as a master distiller.
Children
There is limited publicly available information about Popcorn Sutton’s children. Unlike many other public figures, he kept details about his personal family life relatively private.
While some reports suggest that he may have had children, no confirmed records exist regarding their identities or whereabouts.
Movies and Documentaries
Popcorn Sutton gained national attention through several documentaries and TV appearances:
Notable Documentaries
- “This is the Last Dam Run of Likker I’ll Ever Make” (2002) – A self-made documentary in which Sutton shared insights into his moonshining process.
- “The Last One” (2008) – A National Geographic documentary showcasing his skills and rebellious lifestyle.
- “Moonshiners” (2011–Present) – While Sutton passed away before the show aired, his legacy played a key role in inspiring the series.
These documentaries solidified his reputation as one of the most famous moonshiners in American history.
Current Life (Posthumous Influence)
Although Popcorn Sutton passed away in 2009, his influence continues:
- Legal Moonshine Brand – His widow, Pam Sutton, licensed his name for a legal whiskey brand, Popcorn Sutton’s Tennessee White Whiskey.
- Cultural Icon – His life story continues to inspire movies, books, and TV shows.
- Moonshine Revival – Many small distilleries credit Sutton for popularizing the modern interest in traditional whiskey production.
His name remains synonymous with Appalachian moonshining, and his legacy endures through media and the craft whiskey industry.
Conclusion: Popcorn Sutton Net Worth
Popcorn Sutton was more than just a moonshiner; he was a cultural icon whose influence extended beyond the illegal liquor trade. Despite his rebellious nature, he had a loyal following who admired his dedication to tradition.
His net worth, estimated between $500,000 and $1 million, came from his moonshine sales, books, documentaries, and merchandise.
Even after his death, his legacy lives on through documentaries, a legal whiskey brand, and TV shows inspired by his life.
Popcorn Sutton remains a legend in American folklore, symbolizing freedom, craftsmanship, and defiance against government regulations.
FAQ‘s: Popcorn Sutton Net Worth
1. How much was Popcorn Sutton worth when he died?
Popcorn Sutton’s estimated net worth at the time of his death was between $500,000 and $1 million.
2. Why is Popcorn Sutton famous?
He was famous for his moonshining skills, documentaries, and rebellious attitude towards government liquor laws.
3. Did Popcorn Sutton have children?
There is no widely documented information about his children.
4. Where is Popcorn Sutton buried?
He was originally buried in a remote family cemetery but was later moved to his property in Parrottsville, Tennessee, at his widow’s request.
